Man, I tell you, Hasim "the Rock" Rahman (45-6, 36 KOs) has more lives than twin cats. In what seems like his 100th title attempt, he challenges Wladimir "Dr. Steelhammer" Klitschko (51-3, 45 KOs) this Saturday for the heavyweight championship of the world.
Since his resounding defeat to Lennox Lewis in their heavyweight title rematch nearly eight years ago, Rahman has drawn with or lost to a slew of heavyweight contenders (Evander Holyfield, David Tua, John Ruiz, James Toney and Oleg Maskaev) for various portions of the heavyweight title or in title eliminators.
Klitschko, on the other hand, is on an impressive nine-fight win streak since his upset loss to Lamon Brewster in 2004. The hit list includes: Samuel Peter (UD 12); Chris Byrd (TKO 7); Calvin Brock (TKO 7); Lamon Brewster (TKO 6); Sultan Ibragimov (UD 12), and Tony Thompson (KO 11). That’s not too shabby if you ask me.
So where will all of this leave us on Saturday in Germany? First off, Rahman should send a thank you letter to Alexander Povetkin (16-0, 12 KOs) for pulling out with an injury, providing the Rock with an early Christmas bonus (payday). Klitschko should also be thankful, because Povetkin would have likely been a tougher opponent. I think you know where I am going with this.
Klitschko by resounding KO over Rahman within six.